Auburn names Nick Marshall starting QB

AUBURN, Ala. –Auburn junior Nick Marshall has been named the starting quarterback, head coach Gus Malzahn announced Saturday.

"Nick Marshall has emerged and earned the right to be our starting quarterback," Malzahn said.

"As I've said, we wanted to go with the guy that gives us the best opportunity to win football games and Nick is that guy. He has caught on quickly in the short period of time he has been with us. He is a playmaker with a big upside, and once he becomes more comfortable with the offense, he has the chance to improve each week."

The 6-1, 210-pounder from Pineview, Ga., came to Auburn from Garden City Community College, where he passed for 3,142 yard and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 1,095 yards and 19 TDs last season.

Auburn opens the 2013 season on August 31 against Washington State at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The game will be televised by ESPNU and kickoff at 6 p.m. CT.

Season and select single-game tickets for the 2013 Auburn football season are now available to the general public through the Auburn Athletics Department Ticket Office.

All tickets can be purchased online at AUBTIX.com. For more information or questions regarding tickets, contact the ticket office by email at tickets@auburn.edu or by phone at 1- 855-282-2010, ext. 1.